Affiliated groups meet in Chicago

Sixty-seven allied and other veterinary-related organizations and 29 alumni groups from colleges and schools of veterinary medicine convened this July at the 150th AVMA Annual Convention in Chicago.

These groups engaged in a wide variety of activities during the convention, including lectures, certification examinations, business meetings, workshops, and social gatherings. Many of the organizations co-sponsored AVMA’s educational sessions.

The following highlights the activities and honors reported by some of these organizations.

Avian pathologists

Event: American Association of Avian Pathologists meeting, July 20-23, Chicago
Awards: Special Service Award: Dr. Dick L. Boyd, Bridgewater, Va., was recognized for outstanding contributions to the field of avian medicine. A 1964 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Boyd worked for Rocco Chickens and Turkeys for 30 years prior to retirement in 2002. During that time, he served as veterinarian, grow-out manager, and president of the company. Dr. Boyd has also served as an adjunct professor at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Tennessee. He is a past president of the Virginia Turkey Association and has helped with the response to outbreaks of avian influenza in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. In retirement, Dr. Boyd is a consultant for George’s Foods in Harrisonburg, Va. Known for his commitment to mentoring his students and peers, he was nominated for this award by his more than 25 students and several peers. Phibro Animal Health Excellence in Poultry Research Award: Dr. David Suarez, Athens, Ga., for sustained excellence in poultry disease and health for 20 years or more. A 1988 graduate of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Suarez serves as research leader in the Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Research Unit at the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service. He is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists. Lasher-Bottorff Award: Dr. Frederic Hoerr, Auburn, Ala., won this award, given in recognition of an avian diagnostician/technical services veterinarian who has made important contributions to the poultry health program in North America over the past 10 years. A 1976 graduate of Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Hoerr is professor emeritus in the Department of Pathobiology at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and past director of the Thompson-Bishop-Sparks State Diagnostic Laboratory. He is a past president of the AAAP and a diplomate of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians and American College of Veterinary Pathologists. Bruce W. Calnek Applied Poultry Research Achievement Award: Dr. Jagdev Sharma, Scottsdale, Ariz., for research contributions resulting directly or indirectly in a measurable, practical impact on the control of one or more major diseases of poultry. A 1961 graduate of the Punjab Agricultural University in India, Dr. Sharma is a research professor in The Biodesign Institute and visiting professor of life sciences at Arizona State University. Earlier in his career, he served as a professor of avian medicine at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Known for his expertise in avian immunology, Dr. Sharma co-invented an in ovo vaccination protocol that is used to protect chickens from destructive disease. Outstanding Field Case and/or Diagnostic Report Award: Dr. Alexandra Reilley, Athens, Ga. Dr. Reilley received her veterinary degree from the University of La Salle in Bogota, Colombia, in 1995. She is a technical services veterinarian at CEVA Animal Health. P.P. Levine Award, presented to the senior author of the best paper published in Avian Diseases: Darrell Kapczynski, PhD, Bishop, Ga. Dr. Kapczynski is a research microbiologist in the Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Research Unit of the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service. Life Member Award: Dr. Y.M. “Mo” Saif, West Salem, Ohio. Dr. Saif received his veterinary degree from Cairo University in 1958. He is professor emeritus of veterinary preventive medicine at The Ohio State University’s Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. Reed Rumsey Student Award: Drs. Takumu Niino, Raleigh. N.C., and Elise A. Myers, Dover Centre, Ontario. Dr. Niino is a 2012 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Myers is a 2012 graduate of the University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College. Richard B. Rimler Memorial Paper Scholarship: Dr. Ahmed A. Ali, Beni-Suef, Egypt, and Brian Ladman, Landenberg, Pa. Dr. Ali received his veterinary degree from Beni-Suef University in Egypt in 2002 and earned his doctorate in comparative and veterinary medicine from The Ohio State University in 2012. Ladman is in the process of earning his doctorate in avian virology from the University of Delaware. L. Dwight Schwartz Travel Scholarship: Dr. Nichelle Peck, Debert, Nova Scotia. Dr. Peck is a 2013 graduate of University of Prince Edward Island Atlantic Veterinary College. Arnold S. Rosenwald Student Poster Award: Dr. Natalie Armour, Athens, Ga., won in the category of basic research, and Dr. Michelle Farrar, Rome, Ga., won in the category of applied research. Eskelund Preceptorship Award: Chelsea Anderson, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Joshua Heise, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine; Judith LaBounty, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Megan Lighty, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Nichelle Peck; and Samantha Pohl, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. AAAP Foundation Poultry Scholarship: Elizabeth Beilke, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Jessica Walter, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine; Megan Lighty; Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine; Laura Tensa, Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Racheal Redman, Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine; Nick Hasnawi, Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine; and Lucas Nickel, University of Alberta
Officials: Drs. Richard Fulton, Lansing, Mich., president; Francene Van Sambeek, Cullman, Ala., president-elect; Charles L. Hofacre, Athens, Ga., secretary-treasurer; Mark C. Bland, Napa, Calif., immediate past president; Eva Wallner-Pendleton, Port Matilda, Pa., Northeast director; Eric Gingerich, Zionsville, Ind., Central director; Victoria Bowes, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Western director; and directors-at-large—Drs. Deirdre Johnson, St. Cloud, Minn.; and Sara Steinlage, Bentonville, Ark.
Contact: Janece Bevans-Kerr, Director of Member Services, American Association of Avian Pathologists, 12627 San Jose Blvd., Suite 202, Jacksonville, FL 32223; phone, (904) 425-5735; fax, (281) 664-4744; aaapaaap [dot] info (aaap[at]aaap[dot]info); website, www.aaap.info

Human-animal bond veterinarians

Event: American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians meeting, July 20, Chicago
Business: The association approved constitutional amendments expanding the board of directors to include two student and two nonveterinarian members. Also approved was a plan to expand the website and membership outreach, the latter to include the offer of free membership to veterinary students. There were discussions on the educational tracks to be held at the North American Veterinary Conference and AVMA Annual Convention in 2014.
Officials: Drs. Emilia Gordon, Vancouver, British Columbia, president; Gregg Takashima, Lake Oswego, Ore., president-elect; Shea Cox, Berkeley, Calif., secretary; G. Timothy Lee, Anderson, Ind., treasurer; and Robin Downing, Windsor, Colo., immediate past president
Contact: Dr. Emilia Gordon, President, American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians, 2869 W. 17th Ave., Vancouver, BC V6L 3G1; phone, (778) 989-3954; emugordongmail [dot] com (emugordon[at]gmail[dot]com); website, aahabv.org

Public health and federal veterinarians

Event: American Association of Public Health Veterinarians and National Association of Federal Veterinarians, joint meeting, July 20, Chicago
Awards: AAPHV student scholarship: Chelsea Anderson, Ithaca, N.Y. Anderson is a fourth-year veterinary student at Cornell University. She has experience in international public health, having volunteered with organizations in Africa, Eastern Europe, and Indonesia. Anderson’s career goals include global public health, emphasizing agricultural sustainability, and infectious diseases.
Business: The AAPHV provided updates on its LinkedIn group for professional networking and job postings; exploration of mechanisms to share information, develop, and support public health–related policy statements; and plans to consult related organizations on mutual support and communication. The NAFV provided updates on assisting federal agencies in assessments of the federal veterinary workforce and developing surge-capacity workforce estimates in the event of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak; working on federal budget issues related to animal health; responding to incorrect statements about federal employees; and participating in various collaborative symposiums and presentations.
Officials: AAPHV—Drs. Millicent Eidson, Albany, N.Y., president; Jeff Baravik, Laurel, Miss., president-elect; Adam Langer, Atlanta, secretary; Louisa Castrodale, Anchorage, Alaska, treasurer; Tracy DuVernoy, Silver Spring, Md., immediate past president; and directors-at-large—Drs. Kelly Vest, Silver Spring, Md.; and Nora Pihkala, Vienna, Va. NAFV—Drs. Douglas Fulnechek, Springdale, Ark., president; Kenneth Angel, Jackson, Miss., president-elect; John Sanders, Kearneysville, W.Va., secretary-treasurer; Gary Brickler, Sacramento, Calif., immediate past president; and board members—Drs. Gary Brickler; Linda Riggs, Ridgeland, Miss.; Brian Archer, McPherson, Kan.; Deanna Brown, Batesville, Ark.; Kermit Harvey, Flora, Miss.; and Douglas Meckes, Alexandria, Va.
Contact: AAPHV—Dr. Millicent Eidson, President, American Association of Public Health Veterinarians, 923 Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12237; phone, (518) 474-5973; fax, (518) 473-0476; aaphvetgmail [dot] com (aaphvet[at]gmail[dot]com); website, www.aaphv.org. NAFV—Dr. Michael J. Gilsdorf, Executive Vice President, 1910 Sunderland Place N.W., Washington DC 20036; phone, (202) 223-4878; fax, (202) 223-4877; mgilsdorfnafv [dot] org (mgilsdorf[at]nafv[dot]org); website, www.nafv.org

Small ruminant practitioners

Event: American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners meeting, July 22, Chicago
Awards: Don E. Bailey Practitioner of the Year: Dr. Joan S. Bowen, Wellington, Colo. A 1976 graduate of Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Bowen owns Bowen Mobile Veterinary Practice, with a special interest in small ruminant medicine and surgery. She is immediate past president of the AASRP and a past president of the American Dairy Goat Association Research Foundation. Dr. Bowen is also the recipient of this year’s AASRP George McConnell Award, given in recognition of extraordinary service to the association and the practice of small ruminant medicine.
Business: Attendees were provided general and legislative affair updates, and financial and committee reports.
Officials: Drs. Joan Dean Rowe, Capay, Calif., president; Patty B. Scharko, Columbia, S.C., president-elect; and Joan S. Bowen, Wellington, Colo., immediate past president
Contact: Dr. Michelle Kutzler, Public Relations Committee Chair, American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners, 312 Withycombe Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331; phone, (541) 737-1401; fax, (541) 737-4174; michelle [dot] kutzleroregonstate [dot] edu (michelle[dot]kutzler[at]oregonstate[dot]edu); website, www.aasrp.org

Veterinary toxicologists

Event: American Board of Veterinary Toxicology meeting, July 22, Chicago
Awards: Service Award: Dr. Robert Poppenga, Davis, Calif., for his leadership and contributions toward advancing the ABVT mission of certification for veterinarians in the specialty of toxicology. Dr. Poppenga received his DVM degree in 1978 and earned his doctorate in toxicology in 1987, both from the University of Illinois. He is a professor of clinical molecular biosciences at the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Toxicology Student Paper Competition: First place, sponsored by ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Dr. Liliana Oldenburg, Washington State University, for “Oleander toxicity: A review”; second place: Dr. Kristen Tjerandsen, Washington State University, for “PFTE toxicity in birds”; and third place: Dr. Annette Hemshorn, Washington State University, for “Penitrem A toxicosis”
New diplomates: Dr. Ahna Brutlag, Bloomington, Minn., received certification by the board during the meeting.
Business: The certifying examination process was reviewed and amended.
Officials: Drs. Konnie Plumlee, Gainesville, Mo., president; Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, Mahomet, Ill., vice president; John Tegzes, Pomona, Calif., secretary-treasurer; and Stephen B. Hooser, West Lafayette, Ind., immediate past president
Contact: Dr. John Tegzes, Secretary-treasurer, American Board of Veterinary Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second St., Pomona, CA 91766; phone, (909) 469-5652; fax, (909) 469-5635; jtegzeswesternu [dot] edu (jtegzes[at]westernu[dot]edu); website, www.abvt.org

Veterinary preventive medicine

Event American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine meeting, July 21, Chicago
Awards: Helwig-Jennings Award: Dr. Margaret N. Carter, San Antonio, for outstanding and prolonged service to the ACVPM. A 1985 graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Carter was director of the Department of Defense Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, until 2012. She is a past president of the ACVPM and a past chair of the AVMA Committee on Disaster and Emergency Issues. Distinguished Diplomate Award: Dr. Patty B. Scharko, Columbia, S.C., for outstanding contributions to clinical veterinary preventive medicine, professional veterinary medical organizations, and the ACVPM. A 1983 graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Scharko is a professor of animal and veterinary sciences in the Department of Livestock and Poultry Health and Animal Health Programs at Clemson University. She is a past president of the ACVPM and a past chair of the ACVPM Membership and Outreach Committee.
Business: President of the ACVPM, Dr. Mo Salman spoke on accomplishments of the college during the year and presented a plan of action from a strategic planning workshop held July 19. Also presented were reports from the chairs of the ACVPM standing committees.
New diplomates: Thirty-four new diplomates were welcomed into the college following successful completion of the certifying examination. The new diplomates are as follows:

Lisa J. Becton, Johnson, Iowa
Carolynn J. Bissett, Henrico, Va.
Dianna M. Blau, Atlanta
Jennifer Boonstra, North Barrington, Ill.
Minden L. Buswell, St. Paul, Minn.
Danielle Buttke, Fort Collins, Colo.
Linda Capewell, Atlanta
Stephen E. Cassle, Gainesville, Fla.
Clayton D. Chilcoat, Stuttgart, Germany
Barbara C. Cloutier, DeWitt, Mich.
Matthew L. Doyle, Washington, D.C.
Sarah L. Easter Strayer, Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Mary Egan, Greeley, Texas
Joanna E. Fishback, Fort Detrick, Md.
Christa A. Gallagher, Holly Springs, N.C.
Elliott R. Garber, Burke, Va.
Honorata L. Hansen, Silver Spring, Md.
Melissa D. Hehr, Columbus, Ohio
Alicia Humlicek, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Robert Kim, Rosedale, Md.
Darrel Kraayenbrink, Platte, S.D.
Wendy Lehman, White Marsh, Md.
Amber D. Pasko, Tiffin, Ohio
Maurice Pitesky, Davis, Calif.
Thomas R. Reece, Tipton, Okla.
Audrey Ruple-Czerniak, Fort Collins, Colo.
Gustavo Soberano, Davis, Calif.
Thomas R. Tucker III, Woodland, Calif.
Brian L. Vander Ley, Columbia, Mo.
Kristen Voehl, Kindsbach, Germany
William L. Walker, Forney, Texas
Rachel Westerlund, Sparks, Md.
Scott Willens, Lansing, Mich.
Deniece R. Williams, Woodland, Calif.

Officials: Drs. Mo Salman, Colorado Springs, Colo., president; Scott Brooks, Valhalla, N.Y., president-elect; Sherry Burrer, Atlanta, secretary-treasurer; Candace L. McCall, Selma, Texas, executive vice president; Roger Krogwold, Pickerington, Ohio, immediate past president; Bruce Burnham, Albuquerque, N.M., Specialty of Epidemiology president; and councilors—Drs. Paul Garbe, Atlanta; Vicki Fogelman, Carson City, Nev.; and Marianne Ash, Indianapolis
Contact: Dr. Candace L. McCall, Executive Vice President, American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, 16505 Lookout Hollow Circle, Apt 415, Selma, TX 78154; phone, (210) 382-5400; evpacvpm [dot] org (evp[at]acvpm[dot]org); website, www.acvpm.org

Veterinary medical association executives

Event: American Society of Veterinary Medical Association Executives meeting, July 19, Chicago
Awards: Executive of the Year: Jack Advent, Columbus, Ohio, for exemplifying the best in association management and continually bringing credit to the profession and the association community. Advent is executive director of the Ohio VMA. He has served on the board of directors of the ASVMAE and the Ohio Society of Association Executives. Distinguished Service Award: Doug Raven, Milton, Ontario, for exceptional service to the ASVMAE, demonstrating initiative, integrity, and commitment in serving the veterinary profession and association colleagues. Executive director of the Ontario VMA, Raven is a past president of the ASVMAE and has chaired several of its committees. He has also facilitated two ASVMAE strategic planning sessions. Best in Business Award: The Ontario VMA won this award, given in recognition of successful programs and projects by VMAs that are making a positive impact on the veterinary medical industry. The Ontario VMA’s Farley Foundation, established in 2002, helps pet owners in financial need by subsidizing the cost of nonelective veterinary care. Last year, the foundation disbursed more than $260,000 to assist nearly 700 pet owners.
Officials: David Foley, Lexington, Ky., president; Dina Michel, Hastings, Neb., president-elect; Clare Reagan, Atlanta, secretary; Adrian Hochstadt, Schaumburg, Ill., treasurer; and Karlene Belyea, Okemos, Mich., immediate past president
Contact: David Foley, President, American Society of Veterinary Medical Association Executives, 4075 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511; phone, (859) 233-0147; fax, (859) 233-1968; dfoleyaaep [dot] org (dfoley[at]aaep[dot]org); website, www.vmaexecs.org

Veterinary epidemiologists

Event: American Veterinary Epidemiology Society meeting, July 22, Chicago
Awards: Karl F. Meyer–James H. Steele Gold Headed Cane Award, sponsored by Hartz Mountain Corporation: Drs. William F. McCulloch, Beaverton, Ore., and Yoshihori Ozawa, Tokyo, for advancement of human health through veterinary epidemiology and public health. Dr. McCulloch received his DVM degree from Iowa State University in 1956 and earned his master’s in public health from the University of Minnesota in 1960. Prior to retirement, he served as developmental director of the Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital in Portland, Ore. Earlier in his career, Dr. McCulloch was a professor of veterinary public health and director of the Center for Comparative Medicine at Texas A&M University; served as associate dean for professional veterinary medical programs at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences; and was administrative director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Center of Oregon. Known for his expertise in zoonotic diseases, he has conducted research on leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, ringworm infection, and giardiasis and is the co-author/editor of “Diseases Transmitted from Animals to Man.” Dr. McCulloch has consulted for the Pan American Health Organization and is a past chair of the AVMA Council on Education. He is also a past chair of the former AVMA Committee on the Human-Animal Bond and former AVMA Continuing Education Advisory Committee. A 1954 graduate of the University of Tokyo, Dr. Ozawa earned his doctorate in microbiology from Michigan State University in 1959. During his career, he has worked for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and Japan National Institute of Health, assisting in the prevention and management of high-impact animal diseases. Dr. Ozawa helped eradicate African horse sickness in several countries and played an important role in the eradication of rinderpest worldwide. He authored “Highly Infectious Diseases of Animals,” “International Veterinary Medicine,” and “Exotic Diseases of Animals.” Dr. Ozawa is an honorary diplomate of the AVES. Honorary diplomas were given to Dr. Herbert J. Van Kruiningen, Storrs, Conn.; Dr. Lloyd A.W. Webb, Tuskegee, Ala.; James M. Hughes, MD, Atlanta; Dr. Linda R. K. Schlater, Ames, Iowa; Dr. Gregory L. Parham, Washington, D.C.; Dr. Martin P. Hines, Raleigh, N.C.; Philip A. LoBue, MD, Dunwoody, Ga.; Thomas P. Monath, MD, Harvard, Mass.; and Dr. Babasola O. Olugasa, Ibadan, Nigeria
Officials: Drs. Charles O. Thoen, Ames, Iowa, president; Konrad Eugster, College Station, Texas, vice president; Craig Carter, Lexington, Ky., acting secretary-treasurer; and George W. Beran, Ames, Iowa, immediate past president
Contact: Dr. Charles O. Thoen, President, American Veterinary Epidemiology Society, Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA 50011; phone, (515) 294-7608; fax, (515) 294-8500; cthoen@iasta .edu

Veterinary history society

Event: American Veterinary Medical History Society meeting, July 22, Chicago
Program: Immediate past president of the AVMHS, Dr. Martha Littlefield, presided over the meeting. The Smithcors History of Veterinary Medicine Symposium was held in honor of the AVMA’s sesquicentennial celebration (see JAVMA, Sept. 15, 2013) and featured several speakers, including Michael North, Bethesda, Md., on “From Craft to Profession, the Transition from Horse Farrier to Professional Veterinarian”; Dr. Howard H. Erickson, Manhattan, Kan., on “The History of the AVMA: A Slow, Shaky Beginning”; C. Trenton Boyd, Columbia, Mo., on “What Veterinarians Did: Proven in Postcards”; Dr. Ronnie G. Elmore, Manhattan, Kan., on “Bo and Earlier Presidential Pets”; Dr. Michael Blackwell, Knoxville, Tenn., on “How Did African-Americans, Women, and Minorities Enter Veterinary Medicine?”; Dr. Donald F. Smith, Ithaca, N.Y., on “The Majesty and Power of the Veterinarian’s Story through Oral History”; Philip Teigen, PhD, Bethesda, Md., on “C. Barnwell Robinson (1859-1921): District of Columbia Fire Department Veterinarian”; Dr. Russell W. Currier, Des Moines, Iowa, on “History of Pasteurization of Milk”; and Kimberly Porter, PhD, Grand Forks, N.D., on “The Cedar County Cow War.” Also part of the program were presentations on Heritage Veterinary Practices by Drs. Carla Case-McCorvey, Savannah, Ga., and Luke H. Fallon, Lexington, Ky. An illuminated exhibit featuring 43 panels on the history of the AVMA, created by Dr. Fred Born, was on display in the exhibit hall. It was accompanied by a slide show. Several of the rare books held as part of the Smithcors Veterinary Medical History Collection at Washington State University libraries were also presented on a slide show. A disc containing 281 slides related to the AVMA’s early development since 1863, prepared by Drs. Fred Born and Howard Erickson, was distributed to AVMHS board members and others in attendance.
Awards: J. Fred Smithcors Student Veterinary History Essay Contest, sponsored by the Donaldson Charitable Trust: First place ($1,200)—Jacqueline M. Paritte, Oklahoma State University, for “On Formalizing Veterinary Technician Education: A Noble & Necessary Movement”; second place ($1,000)—Shira Rubin, Cornell University, for “From Big to Little and Little to Big: The Early History of the Guide to the Dissection of the Dog and Miller’s Anatomy of the Dog”; third place ($800)—Chris Liguore, Purdue University, for “Lifestyles of the Furry and Famous: A Historical Analysis of the Care and Advancement of Animal Actors”; and fourth place ($500)—Jordan Daniels, Cornell University, for “Dr. William Stewart Halsted: The Ultimate Prize of Innovation.” Receiving honorable mention were Laura Barrett, University of California-Davis, for “Tracing the Origin and Evolution of the Domestic Dog” and Rebekah Landfried, Kansas State University, for “Veterinary Anatomical Models: A Surgical Tool as Essential as the Scalpel.”
Business: It was announced that Dr. David J. Williams would resign from his position as editor and managing editor of Veterinary Heritage after the next issue, and a replacement will be sought. Lesley Ann Gentry, the AVMHS liaison to the World Association for the History of Veterinary Medicine, informed attendees that the next International Congress will be held in London in September 2014 and that Dr. Roar Gudding from Norway is the new WAHVM secretary. It was announced that the fifth regional AVMHS history meeting, in association with the Kentucky VMA, at the Kentucky Mid-Country Veterinary Conference would be held in September 2013. Attendees were told that the Registry of Heritage Veterinary Practices, honoring practices across the country that are more than 50 years old, continues to gain momentum. Each state VMA was contacted this past spring about establishing local initiatives to conduct oral history interviews with senior veterinarians. Essay contest committee chair, Dr. Russell Currier, reported that the Donaldson Charitable Trust is providing funding for the contest for two years, in honor of Dr. Elizabeth Atwood Lawrence.
Officials: Dr. Helen Wojcinski, Ann Arbor, Mich., president; Dr. Ronnie G. Elmore, Manhattan, Kan., president-elect; Susanne K. Whitaker, Ithaca, N.Y., secretary-treasurer; Dr. Martha A. Littlefield, Baton Rouge, La., immediate past president; and members-at-large—Dr. Ana Alcaraz, Claremont, Calif.; Dr. Peter Cowen, Chapel Hill, N.C.; Lesley Ann Gentry, Beloit, Kan.; and Dr. Cynthia Hoobler, Friendswood, Texas
Contact: Susanne K. Whitaker, Secretary-Treasurer, American Veterinary Medical History Society, 23 Wedgewood Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850; phone, (607) 253-3499; fax, (607) 253-3080; skw2cornell [dot] edu (skw2[at]cornell[dot]edu); website, www.avmhs.org

Women veterinarians

Event: Association for Women Veterinarians Foundation meeting, July 22, Chicago
Awards: Certificate of Appreciation: Dr. Phyllis Hickney Larsen, Ithaca, N.Y., for her leadership and support of the AWVF. Dr. Larsen received her DVM degree from Kansas State University in 1947 and earned her master’s in preventive veterinary medicine from the University of California-Davis in 1981. During her career, she has researched breeding diseases of cattle at Cornell University, done laboratory diagnosis and necropsies at the San Diego Zoo, and taught laboratory animal technicians in Oakland, Calif. With a special interest in goats, Dr. Larsen compiled “Beginning Bibliography on Goats in Research” and traveled to China, where she collected goat earmites and published the results on her return. She also wrote “The Feral Goats of San Clemente Island: The Population and Its Diseases” and compiled and edited “Our History of Women in Veterinary Medicine: Gumption, Grace, Grit and Good Humor.” In the 1990s, Dr. Larsen managed the office of the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners. She is a past president of the American Veterinary Medical History Society. The AWVF also dedicated this year’s sponsored programming to Dr. Larsen. Dr. Chris Stone-Payne, AWVF awards chair, was given the Blue Ribbon Award for exceptional service to the foundation.
Business: It was announced that after 66 years of advocating for women in veterinary medicine, the AWVF would transition its remaining assets and student scholarship fundraising activities to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation this year (see article).
Officials: Drs. Lisa Freeman, DeKalb, Ill., chair; Michelle A. Kutzler, Corvallis, Ore., scholarship chair and secretary; Elizabeth P. Boynton, Pomona, Calif., treasurer; Chris Stone- Payne, Fremont, Calif., awards chair; Debra Nickelson, Kansas City, Mo., finance chair; and Stacy L. Pritt, Dallas, immediate past chair
Contact: Dr. Debra Nickelson, Finance Chair, Association of Women Veterinarians Foundation, 13800 N.W. 79th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64152; phone, (602) 363-6382; fax, (816) 460-3797; dnickelsonpbigordon [dot] com (dnickelson[at]pbigordon[dot]com); website, womenveterinarians.org

Veterinary medical colleges

Event: Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, July 22, Chicago
Business: Dr. Kent Hoblet presented details of the new strategic plan adopted by the board of directors. The plan focuses on generating high-quality data from member institutions, strengthening advocacy and communications to increase influence, and facilitating and catalyzing discussions on contemporary issues in academic veterinary medicine. Dr. Sheila Allen, dean of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and chair of the AVMA Council on Education, discussed changes in the composition and operation of the council (see JAVMA, Sept. 1). Members of the council will now be appointed by the AAVMC and AVMA instead of being elected by the AVMA House of Delegates. In addition, site visits to institutions seeking accreditation or reaccreditation will be conducted by individuals who are not current members of the council. An update was given on initiatives related to goals outlined in the North American Veterinary Medical Education Consortium report, “Roadmap for Veterinary Medical Education in the 21st Century—Responsive, Collaborative, Flexible.” Dr. Cyril Clarke, dean of the University of Oregon College of Veterinary Medicine and chair of the AAVMC Data Committee, discussed refinements to AAVMC’s annual Comparative Data Report. He also discussed the challenges associated with collecting information about state support for public colleges of veterinary medicine. AAVMC executive director, Dr. Andrew Maccabe, discussed upgrades to the Veterinary Medical Application Service and the new veterinary medicine caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Officials: Drs. Kent Hoblet, Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, president; Trevor Ames, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, president-elect; Lisa Nolan, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, secretary; Douglas Freeman, University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine, treasurer; Deborah Kochevar, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, immediate past president; and directors-at-large—Drs. Elizabeth Stone, University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College; Robert Dysko, University of Michigan Medical School; Grace Mulcahy, University College Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine; Cyril Clarke; and David Hardin, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Contact: Jeanne Johnson, Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, 1101 Vermont Ave. N.W., Suite 301, Washington, DC 20005; phone, (202) 371-9195, ext. 144; fax, (202) 842-0773; jjohnsonaavmc [dot] org (jjohnson[at]aavmc[dot]org); website, www.aavmc.org

Lesbian and gay association

Event: Lesbian and Gay VMA meeting, July 19, Chicago
Awards: Leadership Award: Drs. Deborah Kochevar, Grafton, Mass., and James Lloyd, Gainesville, Fla. A 1981 graduate of the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Kochevar is dean of the Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Earlier in her career, she was associate dean for professional programs and Wiley Chair of Veterinary Medical Education at the TAMU CVM&BS. Dr. Kochevar was recognized as a strong advocate for cultural competency and inclusion within the veterinary medical educational system for LGBT individuals. A 1981 graduate of the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Lloyd is dean of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, also serving as a professor of large animal clinical sciences. Earlier in his career, he was the associate dean for budget, planning, and institutional research at the MSU CVM and maintained joint appointments as a professor in the university’s departments of Large Animal Clinical Sciences and Agricultural Economics. Dr. Lloyd served as facilitator for the 2013 LGVMA Strategic Planning Meeting in Las Vegas and was recognized as a strong leader of cultural competency in the veterinary profession. Achievement Award: Lyn Garson, Ellington, Mass. A certified veterinary technician, Garson serves as administrative officer for the National Veterinary Response Team-1. She is a founding member and officer of AVMA Veterinary Medical Assistance Team-1. A past vice president of the LGVMA, Garson was the first CVT to serve on the LGVMA board of directors and edited the association’s newsletter until 2012. Presidential Service Award: Drs. Karen Hull, Indianapolis; Michael Miller, Alameda, Calif.; Malcolm Kram, Betterton, Md.; Jennifer Thomas, Ferndale, Mich.; Ken Gorczyca, San Francisco; and Wayne Hollingshead, St. Clotilde de Horton, Quebec
Business: Members approved the creation of a tax-deductible fund for the student scholarship and leadership program. It is part of the new 2.0 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes pivotal changes to the plan of the first 20 years. Also approved was a proposal to hire a part-time executive director or an association management firm to assist the volunteer board of directors with operations and fundraising. The San Francisco VMA has announced a $5,000 grant toward the association’s strategic plan.
Officials: Dr. Sandy Hazanow, San Francisco, president; Tony Wynne, Washington, D.C., vice president; Dr. Linda Detwiler, Millstone Township, secretary; Dr. Michael Chaddock, Bryan, Texas, treasurer; Dr. Wayne Hollingshead, St. Clotilde de Horton, Quebec, immediate past president; Joseph Hicks, College Station, Texas, student representative; and members-at-large—Nikki Wright, Philadelphia; Dr. Michael McGuill, Boston; Dr. Tatty Hodge, Richland, Mich.; and Dr. Michael Mahaney, West Hollywood, Calif.
Contact: Dr. Linda Detwiler, Secretary, Lesbian and Gay VMA, 584 Castro St. #492, San Francisco, CA 94114; phone, (732) 580-9391; secretarylgvma [dot] org (secretary[at]lgvma[dot]org); website, lgvma.org

Veterinary medical ethics

Event: Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics meeting, July 20, Chicago
Awards: Shomer Award: Awarded posthumously to Dr. John McCarthy (see JAVMA, Sept. 1, 2012), for leadership in veterinary medical ethics. A 1952 graduate of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. McCarthy owned an educational consulting firm in Washington, D.C., prior to retirement in 2009. Earlier in his career, he practiced mixed and small animal medicine in New York state and served as a senior program specialist with the AVMA Governmental Relations Division, directing the legislative contact program. Dr. McCarthy developed and coordinated the AVMA Congressional Action (now, Advocacy) Network. He was a past president of the American Animal Hospital Association, a founder and a past chair of the National Academy of Practice in Veterinary Medicine, and a past executive director of the National Academies of Practice and American Veterinary Medical Law Association. SVME-Waltham Student Essay Contest: Dr. Kendra Bauer (WIS ’13), won $1,000 for “Is the keeping of endangered exotic animals in zoos the most ethical way to preserve, conserve, and educate people about these animals?” Dr. Alice Villalobos, Hermosa Beach, Calif., was granted president emeritus status for her extraordinary leadership and dedication to the SVME. A 1972 graduate of the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, she is director of Pawspice and Animal Oncology Consultation Service. She is a past president of the American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians and immediate past president of the SVME.
Business: A resolution was passed to name the annual SVME-Waltham Student Essay Contest in honor of Dr. Alice Villalobos, beginning in 2014.
Officials: Drs. Thomas M. Edling, Tucson, Ariz., president; Lide Doffermyre, Wilmington, N.C., secretary; John S. Wright, St. Paul, Minn., treasurer; and Alice Villalobos, immediate past president
Contact: Dr. Alice Villalobos, Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics, 1947 Manhattan Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254; phone, (310) 261-1015; fax, (310) 374-3456; dralicevaol [dot] com (dralicev[at]aol[dot]com); website, www.svme.org

Senior veterinarians

Event: American Association of Senior Veterinarians meeting, July 22, Chicago
Business: The AASrV board voted to become a partner of the Josh and Friends therapy dog project, and to raise funds from its members and industry partners to aid Dr. Randall Lange and Josh in visiting children’s hospitals and to establish a supply of kits to take to patients (see below).
Officials: Drs. G.A. “Bert” Mitchell, Sarasota, Fla., president; Bruce W. Little, Las Vegas, vice president; L. Everett Macomber, Centralia, Wash., secretary; Bill McEniry, Ashton, Ill., treasurer; Bob Rainier, Fishers, Ind., Eastern region director; Bob Dietl, Richfield, Minn., Central region director; and Richard Coon, Forest Grove, Ore., Western region director. Dr. Little, was elected president of the association and will begin serving in his new position Jan. 1, 2014. Dr. Mitchell, will be the new vice president, and Dr. Earl Strimple, Blue Ridge Summit, Pa., will take over as the new Eastern region director at that time.
Contact: Dr. G.A. “Bert” Mitchell, President, American Association of Senior Veterinarians, 5186 Cote du Rhone Way, Sarasota, FL 34238; phone, (941) 320-1997, (941) 921-6426; fax, (941) 923-2640; bert [dot] mitchelltenell [dot] net (bert[dot]mitchell[at]tenell[dot]net); website, www.aasrv.org

Senior veterinarians sponsor Josh visit